Johor rolls out additional RM30m after flash floods hit state capital

Johor's government plans to provide an additional RM30 million in the coming year to address flash flooding issues in the state capital, Johor Bahru. Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, chairman of the Johor Housing and Local Government Committee, announced the allocation during an action committee meeting. The money will be used to expedite short- and medium-term measures to combat flash flooding, following a decision made after the recent floods that struck various locations in the city.

Despite previous spending of over RM100 million on flood mitigation projects, the unpredictable weather conditions continue to pose a challenge. The additional allocation will target four key areas: appointing specialist consultants to study the city's drainage system, constructing underground retention facilities in Jalan Sungai Chat, increasing pumping capacity towards the Johor Straits, and upgrading monsoon drains.

Immediate measures, such as deepening a retention pond and lowering water levels in existing ponds, will also commence by tomorrow to accommodate rainwater runoff and create more flexible retention capacity.